Senior Scientist - Surface Chemistry

6451 Roche Sequencing Solutions, Inc.; California; On-site; USD 93,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche is seeking a scientist to join a multidisciplinary team developing surface chemistries for NGS consumables. The role focuses on molecular-level surface modification, instrumentation usage, and data-driven optimization to improve device performance.

Candidates should hold a BS with 4+ years, MS with 1+ year, or PhD in Chemistry or related field, with strong Python/JMP skills and experience in NGS-based applications. Relocation benefits are not offered for this posting.

Qualifications

• BS + 4+ years in Chemistry or related field, MS +1+ year, or PhD with surface science focus.
• Experience with early-stage instrumentation and devices.
• Ability to interpret complex data sets and translate findings into insights (JMP, Python).
• Experience with NGS-based applications and surface functionalization for biomolecule analysis.
• Excellent communication, independent work, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop surface chemistries for NGS consumables.
• Work with early-stage instrumentation and software to understand sequencing workflows.
• Manipulate material surfaces at the molecular level to optimize device performance.
• Design studies to establish optimal surface modification conditions and analyze sequencing data.
• Analyze data sets, write technical reports, and present findings with strategic recommendations.

Skills

Surface science

Data analysis

JMP

Python

NGS knowledge

Presentation skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Chemistry or related field

MS in Chemistry or related field

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Instrumentation

Job description

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

We are seeking a talented scientist to join a team developing surface chemistries enabling NGS-based advanced applications and consumables. This position provides an exciting opportunity to work with outstanding scientists and engineers in a highly multidisciplinary environment. The successful candidate will have a broad background in surface science and device development.

The Opportunity

• Designing and executing experiments to develop surface modifications, novel chemistries, and protocols that enable consumables for next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications.
• Utilizing early-stage instrumentation and software to gain a deep understanding of the sequencing workflow and consumable requirements.
• Driving the molecular-level synthetic manipulation of material surfaces to engineer precise surface energy characteristics and properties for optimal device performance within complex systems.
• Designing and executing studies to establish optimal process conditions for surface modifications, including sequencing data collection and detailed data analysis.
• Analyzing complex data sets, authoring technical reports, and presenting findings alongside strategic recommendations to the team and the broader organization.

Who You Are

• You have a BS degree with 4+ years of professional experience, MS with 1+ year of experience, or PhD degree in Chemistry or a closely related field, with a focus on surface science and materials modification, and development of surface modifications for biomolecule analysis.
• You have expertise in working with early-stage instrumentation and devices.
• You have experience in interpreting complex data sets and translating findings into actionable insights, and are proficient in JMP and Python.
• Experience in NGS-based applications and/or platform development, with an understanding of critical surface requirements for optimal consumable performance.
• Strong understanding of the principles and challenges associated with surface functionalization of microfluidic and lab-on-chip consumables.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate seamlessly with colleagues and across various parts of the organization to achieve shared goals.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities, systematically analyzing issues within complex, interconnected, multidisciplinary systems, and developing data-driven, effective solutions.

Behaviors, competencies, and qualities of the ideal applicant.

Relocation Benefits are not offered for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position, based on the primary location of California is 92,600.00 - 172,000.00. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Who we are A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact. Let’s build a healthier future, together. Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws. If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants. We believe it’s urgent to deliver medical solutions right now – even as we develop innovations for the future. We are passionate about transforming patients’ lives. We are courageous in both decision and action. And we believe that good business means a better world. That is why we come to work each day. We commit ourselves to scientific rigor, unassailable ethics, and access to medical innovations for all. We do this today to build a better tomorrow. We are proud of who we are, what we do, and how we do it. We are many, working as one across functions, across companies, and across the world. We are Roche.